The past year has been characterized by a huge investment by KEDS in Prishtina. KEDS is investing over 17 million euros in Pristina, a complete new underground and modern network. The capacities of the distribution network are being doubled, while most of the citizens of Prishtina will have alternative supply. This investment will solve Prishtina's energy issues for the next 30 years. Nevertheless, KEDS has continued with more.

In this regard, the company's achievements during 2020 and plans for the future, the Energy Magazine has conducted an interview with the

Chief Executive Officer of KEDS, Mr. Alper Erbas.

Energy: Mr. Erbas, this year KEDS has started with huge investments in Prishtina. Can you tell us what it's all about?

Alper Erbas: KEDS started with a megaproject for the renovation and expansion of the distribution network in Prishtina. Most of the Medium Voltage network and a significant portion of the Low Voltage network are being installed underground. The capacities of the Medium Voltage network are being doubled through the replacement of all cables, which will be new and with a capacity of 20 kV from 10 kV as they are now. At the same time, most of the citizens of the capital will have alternative supply. So when a failure occurs, they will be transferred to the next line within seconds. This investment will solve Prishtina's energy issues for the next 30 years.

Energy: How much is this investment costing and what does it mean for the capital?

Alper Erbas: Investments amount to 17 million euros. After the completion of these investments, I assure you that the electricity network in the capital will be modern and compatible with the most advanced European electricity networks. Pristina will no longer need investments in the electricity distribution network for the next 30 years. The realization of these projects would not be possible without the close cooperation of the Municipality of Prishtina, for which I thank Mayor Ahmeti for his readiness. 

Energy: Is this the only investment KEDS made this year, or have there been other projects?

Alper Erbas: Certainly not. In the 7 years since we started operations, we have invested heavily in the Electricity Distribution Network. We continued with these investments this year, throughout Kosovo. Same as in Prishtina, we also invested in Fushë Kosovë. There, the issue of overloads has already been solved and citizens are supplied with very high quality electricity. In Fushë Kosovë, six new 20 kV underground feeders have been installed, which serve thousands of consumers in this city.

The installation of the underground network has continued in the cities of Podujeva, Vushtrria, Drenas, Istog. Other investments in dozens of localities have not been left out either, completely renewing the inherited network that was in poor condition, as it had not been invested for decades. 

Energy: The word network modernization was mentioned several times. What is happening with the installation of digital systems?

Alper Erbas: KEDS has completed this year one of the main segments of the digitalization of the network, the installation of the SCADA system in each substation. At present, the entire Medium Voltage network is remotely controlled. So, this system enables the feeders of Medium Voltage network to be operated online through computer, tablet or mobile phone. Intervention through SCADA is much faster, more efficient and takes much less time until the network re-functioning in case of any unexpected interference. The installation of this system, as part of the digitalization of the electricity network of Kosovo is done to reduce the duration of electricity outages, to decrease technical and commercial losses, immediate response in case of any failure, such as remote control of network equipment.

Simultaneously, KEDS has also built Kosovanet platform to monitor any motion in the electricity network. The platform contributes to the flow of work by becoming an integral part of the operation of blackout teams and the organizational level.

The installation of smart meters with remote control has also continued, moreover, the Call Center has been modernized with installation of the IVR system, and no consumer is left unanswered for his concern.

The installation of these digital devices and systems is a fulfilment of KEDS's vision to be up to date and always provide services through the latest technology, from which Kosovar consumers directly benefit.

Energy: This year was difficult due to the pandemic that swept the world. How did KEDS operate during this time?

Alper Erbas: Undoubtedly 2020 was the most challenging year due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We mobilized immediately.Hundreds of workers, dispersed in every corner of Kosovo at day and night, had a mission, which they realized through their commitment and that of the company: To supply electricity to the citizens of the country at the time when they need it most. They succeeded in this. Today, KEDS is a proud company. In addition to fulfilling its mission with full responsibility, it is considered the entity that has managed at the highest level the coronavirus pandemic.

I feel proud of every employee of the company who with unprecedented commitment and maximum dedication managed to keep the electricity supply at the highest level.

Energy: We are leaving a hard year behind. What are KEDS plans for 2021?

Alper Erbaş: KEDS will surely continue with new investment projects in order to improve the electricity network. The focus will be on the Dukagjini region. In the three cities of this part of the country, respectively in Peja, Gjakova and Istog, medium voltage lines will be installed on the ground and capacities will be doubled from 10 to 20 kilovolts, the same as in Prishtina.  After this investment, the atmospheric conditions especially the strong winds that hit this part of the country, will have minimal impacts on the electricity supply, in this way there won’t be overloading and there will be an alternative line for customers.

Energy: Do you think 2021 will be challenging and what is your message?

Alper Erbaş: Based on the analysis of health experts, 2021 is expected to return to normal. I believe 2021 will be a year of renewal. No doubt, a lot of effort is needed from all of us to overcome the consequences left by the pandemic. But, we proved ourselves that we are able to cope even in much more difficult situations and  I am convinced that together we will succeed. No doubt, to achieve our goal requires the commitment of all. We must support each other, as we did during the pandemic and as we have always done so far.

Until the achievement of this mission, I wish you all a Happy New Year, personally and universally, I wish everyone be healthy, and that the New Year be a year of overcoming challenges, one of a powerful renewal and prosperity.

Happy 2021!